External turret with above water connection point

Abstract

The present invention provides apparatuses for an offshore connection between a floating vessel and seabed pipelines.

1 . An above water connection point between a floating vessel and seabed pipelines comprising
 a pipeline manifold for receiving a riser connecting to the vessel;   a structure for supporting the pipeline manifold;   wherein the pipeline manifold is located on top of the structure and   raised above water level and in communication with seabed pipelines.   
     
     
         2 . An above water connection point according to  claim 1  wherein the structure is fixed on the seabed floor. 
     
     
         3 . An above water connection point according to  claim 1  wherein the pipeline manifold can be positioned at any required distance from the structure. 
     
     
         4 . An above water connection point according to  claim 1  wherein the pipeline manifold can be positioned at any required distance from the structure to allow a connected riser to move freely in high waves. 
     
     
         5 . An above water connection point according to  claim 1  wherein the pipeline manifold includes valves and pig receivers. 
     
     
         6 . An above water connection point according to  claim 1  wherein the top of the structure is for mounting a platform . 
     
     
         7 . An above water connection point according to  claim 1  wherein the platform can be temporarily locked on top of the structure. 
     
     
         8 . An above water connection point according to  claim 1  wherein the structure includes an enclosure for protecting the pipeline manifold and other related apparatus from waves. 
     
     
         9 . A mooring system of a floating vessel to be connected to an above water connection point comprising
 an external turret which is extended and raised to a location that distances the hull and outrigger of the vessel from said above water connection point to allow free movement of the vessel around said connection point.   
     
     
         10 . A mooring system according to  claim 9  wherein the external turret is extended and raised by extending and elevating the outrigger. 
     
     
         11 . A mooring system according to  claim 9  wherein the outrigger is mounted with a crane for hoisting a platform onto the above water connection point. 
     
     
         12 . A mooring system of a floating vessel to be connected to an above water connection point comprising
 an external turret which is extended and raised to a location that distances the hull and outrigger of the vessel from said above water connection point to allow free movement of the vessel around said connection point;   wherein said above water connection point comprises a pipeline manifold for receiving a riser connecting to the vessel and a structure for supporting the pipeline manifold; and said pipeline manifold is located on top of the structure and raised above water level and in communication with seabed pipelines.   
     
     
         13 . An above water connection point according to  claim 12  wherein the structure is fixed on the seabed floor. 
     
     
         14 . An above water connection point according to  claim 12  wherein the pipeline manifold can be positioned at any required distance from the structure. 
     
     
         15 . An above water connection point according to  claim 12  wherein the pipeline manifold can be positioned at any required distance from the structure to allow a connected riser to move freely in high waves. 
     
     
         16 . An above water connection point according to  claim 12  wherein the pipeline manifold includes valves and pig receivers. 
     
     
         17 . An above water connection point according to  claim 12  wherein the top of the structure is for mounting a platform . 
     
     
         18 . An above water connection point according to  claim 12  wherein the platform can be temporarily locked on top of the structure. 
     
     
         19 . An above water connection point according to  claim 12  wherein the structure includes an enclosure for protecting the pipeline manifold and other related apparatus from waves. 
     
     
         20 . A mooring system according to  claim 12  wherein the external turret is extended and raised by extending and elevating the outrigger. 
     
     
         21 . A mooring system according to  claim 12  wherein the outrigger is mounted with a crane for hoisting a platform onto the above water connection point.